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The article was original posted on ilfnational.org The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) held its 2024 Annual Leadership and Business Conference at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., on the morning of July 25; ILF Chairman Dr. Paul Hsu gave a welcoming speech and kicked off the 25th-anniversary series of events, which included a panel discussion with Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and Congressman Ted Lieu encouraging Asian youth and students to get involved in public service, serve the community, run for office, and speak out for the Asian community. This year, 47 Civic Fellows from top colleges and universities across the U.S. and high school students from the 2024 Youth Leadership Training Program enrolled in Leadership Foundation’s Public Affairs Internship Program and were presented with certificates of completion at the annual luncheon. Certificates were also given to the presidents of ILF chapters throughout the U.S. and to elite supporters of the Foundation. International Leadership Foundation (ILF) Founding President Chiling Tong said it was meaningful for ILF to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year and also introduced the new book Doors of Opportunity, which records the 25the year history of the ILF and inspires young people to pursue opportunities, dreams, and hopes that they will become successful leaders in their respective fields. International Leadership Foundation (ILF) Founding President Chiling Tong said it was meaningful for ILF to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year and also encourage young people to pursue opportunities, dreams, and hopes that they will become successful leaders in their respective fields. In an afternoon fireside Chat with Dr. James S. C. Chao and Secretary Elaine Chao, young people were encouraged to pursue their potential and contribute to serve society. They also talked about recent biographies written about them: Elaine Chao A Trailblazer’s Discovery: The first Asian American woman in the President’s Cabinet , and Riding the Waves: Shipping Magnate Dr. James S. C. Chao & Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao’s philosophy of Life and Their Legacy . More than 500 officials, business leaders, and young leaders from all over the United States gathered together to celebrate the 25th Anniversary and honor 11 community leaders from all over the United States who have made outstanding contributions in the field of public affairs and community service: Dr. Chao Legendary Leader & Legacy Award Dr. Chao, the founder and Chairman of the Foremost Group, which is headquartered in New York City and celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. Over 60 years, Dr. Chao has built Foremost into a global leader in the shipping industry, noted for its fleet of environmentally sensitive and technologically advanced bulk carriers. Foremost motto is: “honesty, integrity & service”. Dr. Chao made remarks after receiving the award, “I remember when I was coming here in the 1950s. Asians were only 1% of the population; today, Asians comprise 7% of the population. But we are still a minority. So, we need to get together, especially in this good society, this democratic system. We need a voice. The voice is from the people. Remember again, we are a minority, so we need to have ideas and offer them to society and offer them to this nation.” “We are making many contributions to America and to Society. Let the Mainstream American people understand this. We are of Chinese origin. But now, we are also Americans and we are contributing lots to the country.” (Applause) Looking back from today’s glory, Dr. Chao grew up in a time of war and turmoil, arriving in Taiwan from Shanghai in 1949, becoming Taiwan’s youngest ocean-going captain at age 29, and a first prize winner in Taiwan’s special examination for captains at age 30. However, he gave up his high salary to go to the U.S. for further study. In the U.S., he received a lower salary than others during the day and handled more shipping duties; at night and on weekends, he served dishes in restaurants and endured the ridicule and bullying of others. After much difficulties getting into a university because his transcripts were locked behind in the Mainland, Dr. Chao graduated with an MBA at the age of 38. Unable to find a job at that old age, Dr. Chao established Foremost Corporation. He faced many adversities. Even though he fell into debt, and lost all his ships as his partners withdrew from the business due to the oil crisis, he remained calm and continued to buy and build ships. Today, his company has one of the world’s largest fleets of environmentally-friendly bulk carriers. Dr. Chao emphasized family education, combining the values and strengths of both Chinese and Western cultures, and educated his six daughters, four of whom graduated from Harvard, all of whom are outstanding. In the 3rd generation, four of his granddaughters are studying at Harvard. Grateful for his blessings and wanting to help less fortunate students like himself access opportunities, his many foundations have donated tens of millions of dollars in education, established the Chao Chu Mulan Scholarship Fund for Chinese students, and built the Chao Chu Mulan Center at the Harvard Business School, where more than 10,000 international executives exchange ideas yearly. In Taiwan, he provides annual scholarships for outstanding graduates in shipping-related disciplines to study in the U.S. and work as interns in the Foremost Group. On July 18, 2024, National Taiwan Ocean University dedicated the Mulan Ocean and Maritime Education Building in honor of Dr. James S. C. Chao’s beloved late wife. The environment is always full of challenges. Dr. Chao faced the pressure of survival, language barriers, culture shock, and spiritual isolation. Still, he was determined and optimistic, never giving up, and created his value and status in the highly competitive American mainstream culture. He donated the first building named after an Asian-American and a woman in Harvard’s 400-year history. With his spirit of never-ending self-realization and keeping up with the times, Chao has always given his best in every challenging circumstance. His family is known as the “Legacy of the Chinese-American community,” including his eldest daughter, Elaine L. Chao, who was the first Chinese-American recruited by five U.S. presidents to serve in their administrations, and the first female Asian American Cabinet Secretary. Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have dedicated their lives to education and philanthropy. Their family story is marked by challenges, adversities, but also hope, optimism, faith and love. Dr. James S. C. Chao is an inspirational leader, altruistic and serving the public welfare and society. He is most deserving of the Lifetime Legacy award. Washington, D.C. – The International Leadership Foundation (ILF), along with the Coalition of Asian American Business Organizations (CAABO), hosted the 2024 ILF Leadership and Business Conference. The conference was held on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Featured speakers included the Honorable Elaine L. Chao, 18th Secretary of Transportation and 24th Secretary of Labor; Dr. James S.C. Chao, Chairman and Founder, Foremost Group; Dr. Ming Wang, Director & Surgeon at Wang Vision Institute. Over 500 guests attended, including distinguished Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and ILF Civic Fellows. The Gala recognizes leaders in the AAPI community who have contributed significantly to the advancement and representation of AAPIs. Honorees included: Legacy Award Dr. James SC Chao Business Leadership Award: Dr. Limin Hu, Chairman, Global Monte Jade Science and Technology Association Dr. Rose Maria Li, President and CEO, Rose Li and Associates Global Business Leadership Award: Mr. Che-Sheng Su, CEO, HeiHong Investment Educational Leadership Award: Dr. Rose Y. Tseng, Chancellor Emerita and Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo Civic Leadership Award: Mr. Ben Wu, Former Deputy Secretary of Commerce, MD Department of Commerce Dr. David Yee, Commissioner, CA Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs Ms. Pauline Huang, Co-Founder, United Customs Service Community Leadership Award: Ms. Teresa Lai, Founder, Little Tree Montessori International School Mr. Ebrahim Maghsoud, Former Chair, Asian McDonald’s Association Ms. Amanda Negron, CEO, HSU Educational Foundation The Leadership and Business Conference & Gala aims to create opportunities for AAPI small business owners. To that end, the global awards ceremony serves to recognize outstanding members in the AAPI community who have provided exceptional services to their communities. Awardees also serve as positive role models for next generation AAPI leaders. The conference included a fireside chat, “A Trailblazer’s Discovery” between the Honorable Elaine L. Chao and Dr. James S.C. Chao. ILF is a non-profit organization that promotes civic engagement, leadership, empowerment, and economic prosperity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to enhance diversity in our country. The mission of ILF is to cultivate civic-minded future AAPI leaders. Founded in 2000, ILF has provided scholarships, leadership training, and educational programs to over 10,000 AAPI students. The list of distinguished speakers at the 2024 event included: U.S. Representative Ted Lieu (CA-36); U.S. Representative Judy Chu (CA-28); U.S. Representative Grace Meng (NY-6); U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40); U.S. Representative Amada Radewagen; U.S. Representative Vince Fong (CA-20); MD Secretary of State Susan C. Lee; Dr. Paul Hsu, ILF Chairperson; Rose Y. Tseng, Chancellor Emerita and Professor of Leadership, University of Hawaii at Hilo. See original post at https://www.ilfnational.org/international-leadership-foundation-celebrates-25th-anniversary-and-bestows-lifetime-legacy-award-to-dr-james-s-c-chao-founder-chairman-of-foremost-group-in-new-york/

The Regimental Review, a time-honored tradition at the United States Coast Guard Academy, is a symbol of discipline, leadership, and precision. It is a rite of passage for cadets and a platform to honor those who have left a lasting impact on the maritime industry. "For decades, Dr. James S. C. Chao has led the way in environmental stewardship, safety, and training on the seas. His personal story is the embodiment of the American dream and an inspiration to us all," as highlighted by Rear Admiral Michael J. Johnston, Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. "I am deeply honored to be recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy," said Dr. Chao. "This institution represents the highest ideals of service, courage, and devotion to duty. To have an opportunity to review the parade of young cadets training to be future leaders of the Coast Guard fills me with immense pride in this incredible nation we all call home." The Regimental Review is a ceremonial event where the entire Corps of Cadets march on Washington Parade Field in precise formation, led by the Regimental Commander. This age-old tradition instills cadets with characteristics of poise, leadership, and confidence, preparing them for future roles as Coast Guard Officers. At the recent Regimental Review on Friday, October 27, 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy celebrated the exceptional achievements of Dr. James S.C. Chao, Founder of Foremost Group and of the Chao Family Foundations. The Academy, known for its dedication to service, courage, and duty, honored Dr. Chao for his lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship, safety, and maritime training. Dr. Chao's story is a remarkable testament to the American dream. Hailing from a small farming village outside of Shanghai, he became the youngest sea captain of his time at the age of 29. His legacy in the maritime industry is a source of inspiration for cadets and maritime enthusiasts alike. Dr. Chao's journey led to the founding of Foremost Group, an industry leader celebrated for integrity, reliability, and its commitment to service. As Foremost Group approaches its 60th anniversary, it continues to be an early adopter of green technology, boasting one of the world's most eco-friendly bulk carrier fleets. Dr. Chao's emphasis on seafarer training and safety on the seas has been integral to Foremost Group's success, emphasizing the importance of responsible maritime operations. Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have dedicated their lives to philanthropy and education, earning recognition as a prominent and accomplished American family. The Regimental Review not only serves as a time-honored tradition but also as a platform to honor individuals like Dr. James S.C. Chao, whose dedication and achievements continue to inspire future leaders in the maritime industry.

In Autumn 2007, months after the passing of Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, the Foremost Foundation, under the direction of Dr. James S.C. Chao, established the Mulan Marine Simulation Memorial Building at Shanghai Maritime University in loving memory of Mrs. Chao. Angela Chao and her father, Dr. Chao were very pleased to see the tremendous impact the marine engine and navigation simulator was having on the quality of education and training received by the University’s students. During their various site visits to Shanghai Maritime University since its opening, they have been able to tour the Mulan Marine Simulation Memorial Building, experience first-hand some of its simulation exercises, and hear from University. Administrators and the student body about Shanghai Maritime University’s increasing stature in the arenas of international education, scientific research and professional training. Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) was founded in 1959. Approximately 15,000 students from America, Europe, Asia, and Africa are diligently engaged in high-level learning in a large number of academic disciplines, including: liberal arts, economics, sciences, and law. While many are focused on shipping management, economics and technologies, students at SMU matriculate with internationally recognized degrees from many academic areas of study, preparing them to be the scientific, engineering, and maritime leaders of their countries. In 1984, Dr. and Mrs. Chao established the Shanghai Mulan Education Foundation which provides qualified, needy students the opportunity to secure the outstanding educational offerings available at SMU.

The Chao family was awarded the 2010 Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) Legacy Award. This was the first time that a family, rather than individual, was awarded such an honor and it reflects the Chao family’s lifelong gifts to the Chinese-American community.

Chao Family Foundation made a gift in 2012 to support the Foreign Policy Colloquium held annually by The National Committee on US-China Relations. The Colloquium was initiated 11 years ago. Over a period of three days, Chinese graduate students from across America are brought together with the top influencers of America’s foreign policy, including think tanks, political and government officials, NGOs and corporate leaders. The seminar exposes participants to an intense examination of the intricate factors that influence foreign policy decisions. National Committee on United States-China Relations The National Committee on United States-China Relations was established in 1966 for the purpose of opening channels of communication between the US and China, chiefly to thaw out what was at the time a rather difficult relationship between the two countries. The Committee’s academic, business and civic leaders strongly believed that it was in the best interest of the US to have positive interactions with China. In a non-political fashion, the Committee initiated programs of cultural, educational and technological exchanges that would create an atmosphere for positive, stable and long-term mutually beneficial interactions. Carla A. Hills chairs a distinguished Board of Directors that consists of the most prominent corporate and political leaders of the US. Through the leadership of the board and its committees, the founding principles of the National Committee’s initiators have been preserved via a rich matrix of programs designed to strengthen communications, exchange and outreach between the US and China. Programs include: political and national security briefings, educator and student exchange programs, sister-city programs such as visits to Chinese cities and exchange opportunities for city leaders, collaborative projects to address natural disasters, collaborative work on economic and environmental sustainability issues, open exchange of intellectual and technological ideas, public information campaigns and other strategies to facilitate mutual cultural understanding and appreciation. As a member of the Young Leaders Forum of the Committee, Angela Chao was especially happy to be involved with the Chao Family Foundation’s gift to support the 2012 annual Colloquium.

As the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, the Honorable Elaine L. Chao is the first American woman of Asian heritage to be appointed to the United States Presidential cabinet post in American history. Serving from 2001 to 2009, she holds the record for the longest tenure as the Secretary of Labor since World War II. Elaine Chao came to the United States with her family when she was eight years old, not able to speak the language. Her parents taught her to contribute to society, and that anything was possible in America through education and hard work. She went on to earn an A. B. in economics from Mt. Holyoke College, and a MBA from Harvard Business School. Her early career was in the private sector, serving as a banker with Citicorp, and as Vice President of Syndications at the Bank of America Capital Markets Group. She was selected to receive a White House Fellowship, which led to a career in government. She has served as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Director of the Peace Corps. Among her accomplishments, she established the first Peace Corps programs in the newly emerging republics of the former Soviet Union and the Baltic states. As U.S. Secretary of Labor, she oversaw record improvements for worker safety and health while promoting higher levels of competitiveness in the American workforce in the global economy. Secretary Chao has also been recognized for her leadership role in the non-profit sector. As President and CEO of the United Way of America, she restored confidence in an organization that had been tainted by ethical misconduct and financial mismanagement and abuse. Secretary Chao has received 34 honorary doctorate degrees for her many public and non-profit sector accomplishments, including opening up new pathways for women and Asian Americans. She is a respected thought leader and speaker on many issues of public interest, including employment, workforce training and strengthening America’s competitiveness. Secretary Chao also serves on the boards of public and nonprofit institutions including the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government; the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors and Global Advisors; New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Secretary Chao is married to the Republican Leader of the United States Senate, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and commutes between her home in Louisville and Washington, D. C. She also has the distinction of being the first Kentuckian to serve in a Cabinet position since 1945, and the first Kentucky woman ever appointed to the President’s cabinet.

The Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of China’s finest higher education and research institutions, offering undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate degrees in a large number of disciplines. It enjoys a world class reputation for leadership in research and technological advancement in the disciplines of engineering, science and marine technologies, attracting students and faculty from across the globe. Angela, Elaine and James Chao at Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Building Jiao Tong University The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Building was constructed in honor of Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, late and beloved wife of SJTU alumnus Dr. James S.C. Chao who also has served as the University’s American Alumni Association’s chairman. The building is a memorial to Mrs. Chao with whom he invested countless hours and resources in improving access to higher education for deserving Chinese and American students, as well as supporting initiatives designed to strengthen and sustain relations between the US and China. The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Building at SJTU consists of three adjoined buildings and ten floors of classroom, research and administrative space. This building complex of 360,000 square feet of space houses SJTU’s School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering. The School, which opened in 2003, is well known around the world for its excellence in disciplines such as international shipping administration, mechanics, hydraulic and architecture engineering, naval architecture and ocean engineering and coastal and harbor engineering. It is China’s premier university in the fields of ocean and naval engineering, attracting an international body of students, as well as collaborations with leading research institutions in other countries, including the United States of American. SJTU’s School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering is a perfect fit with the Chao family’s years of leadership in the international shipping industry. SJTU, more than a 100 years old, is recognized as a premier education and research institution. There are 31 schools, five well-developed campuses offering students undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in medicine, law, engineering, management, the arts, economics, literature, and agriculture. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Building at Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Two new kindergartens named after Ruth Mulan Chu Chao opened in Qili and Siyang, within China’s Lai’an county, Anhui province, on October 15, 2015. The Chao Family Foundations donated more than USD$1 million to the kindergartens, where approximately 1,000 new students will learn and be inspired by the legacy of Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. The dedication ceremony was a joyful event attended by members of the Chu Chao family, as well as the community’s many happy parents, grateful for the opportunity given to their children through the generosity of the Chao family. Joining the Chao family patriarch, Dr. James S.C. Chao, were his daughters: former US Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao, and Deputy Chair of the Foremost Group, Angela Chao. Secretary Chao lamented that since her mother’s passing in August, 2007, not a day has gone by that she has not been missed. She said that even though many years had passed, her mother’s attachment to Anhui province, where she was born, never diminished: “…she never forgot the land of her birth and her roots.” Ruth Mulan Chu Chao was born in 1930 in Anhui. She received her secondary education at Ming-Teh Girls’ High School, located in Nanjing. She joined a select group of girls who were privileged to receive a formal education in those days. Wars and other events interrupted her studies, but her commitment to education never wavered and at the age of 53, she obtained her Master’s degree in Asian Literature and History from New York’s St. John’s University. She and her husband Dr. James S. C. Chao, founder of the Foremost Group, devoted their lives to philanthropic endeavors, especially those that would enrich educational opportunities for students in the U.S. and China. These two kindergartens in her native land are a recent example of the Chao family’s belief that education is the ultimate route to achieving success in life. Secretary Chao spoke about her mother’s emphasis on education. “My mother always believed in the Chinese people’s philosophy that education is a key factor in survival and development.” In fact, she noted that her parents faced many challenges upon their arrival to America—a foreign culture and land, but with optimism, determination, hard work, fearlessness and a loving attitude, they forged ahead, building a new home, raising a large family, founding a successful international business, and becoming ambassadors and philanthropists. Angela Chao said that she hopes that the children attending the new kindergartens will feel her mother’s spirit, be inspired and also strive to succeed, each in his or her own way. She hopes that later in life they will make contributions to the world at large and follow in the path of her mother, who was devoted to educational achievement and stewardship of the world. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao’s love for education, enthusiasm for her homeland and the fulfillment of her life’s purpose made it only fitting that the Chao Family Foundations should make a donation to open these two kindergartens, to carry forward her name and light the torch to be carried by the next generation of Chinese students.

Returning Home The Chao family at the institution’s 20th anniversary celebration Dr. James S.C. Chao and his daughters, The Honorable Elaine L. Chao and Angela Chao, returned to their ancestral land on October 17, 2015 to celebrate the 20thanniversary of the establishment of Yi-Ren Kindergarten. Yi-Ren kindergarten was named after Mr. Yi-Ren Chao, the late father of Dr. James S.C. Chao and a tireless advocate for educational opportunity in rural China. Mr. Yi-Ren Chao was born in China’s Jiangsu Province on September 19, 1905. He completed his primary studies at Jiangsu Provincial Fisheries School, and graduated from secondary school in 1929 to become a teacher at West Primary School. During the war years, he fled to the countryside to escape the occupying forces. In 1940, Mr. Yi-Ren Chao initiated an educational movement known as ‘Education Saves the Nation’, and began opening classrooms within private homes, ultimately establishing a private elementary school—Li Feng Primary School, where he served as principal. He devoted his life to making education accessible to as many students as possible, regardless of their financial circumstances, and in so doing, improved the lives of thousands of students. After a valiant battle with cancer, he ultimately succumbed on March 13, 1959, at the age of 54. Carrying the Torch Forward Mr. Yi-Ren Chao’s only child and spiritual heir, Dr. James S.C. Chao, carried on his father’s dedication to education in many different ways; through his own personal achievements; through the commitment to educationthat he passed onto his children; through the many philanthropic contributions he and his wife made to support education initiatives in America and Asia; and through founding a highly respected and reputable international shipping company, Foremost Group. Dr. James S. C. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, raised six daughters who perpetuate Mr. Yi Ren Chao, their grandfather’s devotion to education as the foundation to advancement in life. Dr. Chao carried on his father’s work to improve opportunities and access to quality education for young people. A distinguished and much respected entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist, Dr. James S. C. Chao never forgot his Chinese heritage, traveling to Asia to visit, lecture, and contribute in many meaningful ways to build better understanding between America and Asia. Shortly after China opened up to the world due to the Four Modernizations Program in 1978, he and Ruth established one of the first foundations in 1984, , reflecting the Chao family commitment to help enhance U. S. Asia relations through greater understanding of East and West. This Foundation has awarded thousands of scholarships to outstanding students, endowed chairs at universities, provided construction grants to four universities in Jiading district, and of course, the Yi-Ren Kindergarten which was funded with a generous gift from Dr. Chao in1995. 20 Years of Educational Excellence at Yi-Ren Kindergarten The Yi-Ren Kindergarten has remained true to its founder’s philosophies and vision of“diligent teaching and strict governance.” Its faculty is dedicated, innovative, and working harmoniously as a single unit to bring the highest level of professionalism and educational instruction to the student body. National assessments in 2003 and 2007 placed Yi-Ren Kindergarten at the top of the national league of schools. The institution’s 20th anniversary celebration was an opportunity to remember Mr. Yi-Ren Chao’s principles and his family’s commitment to their patriarch’s legacy. On this occasion, Dr. James S. C. Chao generously donated another significant gift to improve the nursery’s facilities and general district-wide programs that will improve the quality of education through innovative curricula and new technologies, as hoped in the farsighted vision of Mr. Yi-Ren Chao. Yi-Ren Chao was born in China’s Jiangsu Province in 1905. He completed his primary studies at Jiangsu Provincial Fisheries School, and graduated from secondary studies in 1929 to become a teacher at West Primary School. During the war years, he fled to the countryside and escaped the occupying forces. In 1940, Yi-Ren Chao initiated an educational movement known as ‘Education Saves the Nation’, and began opening classrooms within private homes, ultimately founding a private elementary school—Li Feng Primary School, where he served as principal. He devoted decades of his life to making education accessible to as many students as possible, touching thousands of lives. Ultimately he succumbed to cancer and passed away on March 13, 1959.

In honor of the family’s beloved Mother and her lifelong mission to improve higher education, the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center is being built on Harvard Business School’s campus. Striving to produce the next generation of leaders, the Chao family along with the HBS community, take great pleasure in this addition to the campus. The ceremony marking the start of the project was held on April 24, 2014 with a number of distinguished guests in attendance. Included in the attendees was China’s ambassador to the United States the Honorable Cui Tiankai, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, among others. Representing the Chao family was Dr. James S.C. Chao, whose dedication to the pursuit of higher learning has made this new endeavor possible. The new center which aims to serve the 10,000 students in the Executive Education program has been made possible through the generous efforts of Chao Family Foundations. The new building at the center of the Harvard Business School campus will replace the facilities of Kresge Hall, giving students a new range of services. The groundbreaking ceremony comes as HBS marks its 50th anniversary of admitting women through its doors. As the first building on the Harvard campus to be named for both a woman and an American of Chinese descent, this project truly breaks down barriers with its celebration of progress at HBS. The decision to embark on the building of the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center was sparked from the Chao family’s continued dedication to the mission of Harvard Business School. The family has developed a strong relationship over the years with the HBS community, with four of the Chao family’s daughters having attended the institution. The Chao women to have been graduated from HBS are the Honorable Elaine Chao who served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Ms. May Chao former New York State Commissioner of the Consumer Protection Agency, Dr. Grace Chao who went on to earn her PhD at Columbia in Anthropology, and Angela Chao who is the Deputy Chair of the Foremost Group, the international shipping firm founded by Dr. and Mrs. Chao. The Chao family is proud to have taken part in the establishment of this new building honoring the late Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. As a strong supporter of the value of higher education, Mrs. Chao was a driving force in pushing her daughters to strive for greatness through academic achievement. In celebrating the heritage of the land of her birth and her connection with the United States where she raised her family and made her life, Ruth was a constant advocate for strengthening ties between the two countries. By sponsoring institutions of higher learning through the Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu and Dr. James S.C. Chao Family Foundation, the Chao family honors the blessed memory of their beloved wife and mother through the patronage of great educational works both here in the US as well as in China and all over the world. To celebrate the Chao’s generous gift to the Harvard Business School, a website was designed by portraying a timeline of the family’s history. Rare photographs, that go back generations, are displayed for public viewing. Speaking on the significance of the Chao family’s connection with the HBS community, Angela Chao told attendees that, ‘My family and Harvard Business School have had a remarkable relationship spanning four decades. We are so pleased to be able to further the School’s work of educating leaders who make a difference in the world while at the same time honoring our mother—the woman who inspired us with her selflessness and courage.’

The EPIC Achievement Award at the Teachers College , Columbia University recognizes individuals who experience the EPIC journey: the recipient exemplifies a willingness to admit and accept failure along the way, to use the information offered by failure to make better decisions, and to embrace innovation in response to their failure. Link to full article http://epic.tc.columbia.edu/awards/

James Chao, founder and chairman of the Foremost Group, was honored with the 2018 Lloyd's List Americas Awards Lifetime Achievement. His company, renowned for its eco-friendly ship designs, has been led by his daughter Angela, growing its advanced bulk carrier fleet. Chao's journey began in a small village near Shanghai, where his academic excellence and maritime skills led him to become a young ocean-going marine captain. He continued his education in America, leading to a notable maritime career and philanthropy, including educational scholarships through a foundation established with his wife. For a detailed read, please visit the original article: James Chao named 2018 Lloyd's List Americas Awards Lifetime Achievement winner.